Hybrid Heating Control Using COP Break-Even Flow Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid heating systems face inefficiencies and high operating costs due to the alternating operation of heat pumps and fuel-fired boilers, with heat pumps being inefficient at low outdoor temperatures and resulting in high energy expenses.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid heating system that operates both the heat pump and fuel-fired boiler simultaneously to meet heat loads, with a control mechanism determining the optimal operating conditions based on coefficient of performance (COP) and fuel prices to maximize cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, by adjusting flow temperatures and flow rates to prioritize heat pump usage when cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat pump is operated alternatively with the fuel fired boiler based on cost effectiveness, then operating costs are reduced, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and heat pump utilization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operations of the heat pump and fuel-fired boiler by running them simultaneously in a hybrid mode, allowing the heat pump to contribute a larger proportion of the heat load than in alternative operation systems, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining cost effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pump is operated at low outdoor temperatures to meet heat load, then heating coverage is improved, but coefficient of performance deteriorates and operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the heat pump operate at a reduced capacity in hybrid mode at low outdoor temperatures, contributing only a portion of the total heat load, thereby maintaining acceptable COP while still providing heating coverage through combined operation with the fuel-fired boiler
3Device complexity
If the heat pump and fuel fired boiler are operated alternatively, then system simplicity is maintained, but heat pump contribution to heat load is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic operation modes (alternative mode and hybrid mode) that can be switched based on outdoor temperature and economic criteria, allowing the system to adaptively maximize heat pump contribution without requiring complex structural modifications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces operating costs and environmental impact by ensuring a higher proportion of heat load is provided by the heat pump, while maintaining efficient heating performance, even at low outdoor temperatures, through strategic control of both heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
heat is extracted from the outdoor air and transferred to the refrigerant by means of the fourth heat exchanger. The heat is subsequently transferred by means of the first heat exchanger from the refrigerant to the working fluid in order to heat the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fuel fired boiler, preferably a conventional gas boiler
Implementation Method 3
transfers heat from combustion and condensation (condensed flue gases from the exhaust) via a second heat exchanger to the working fluid in order to heat the working fluid
Implementation Method 4
The refrigerant may for example be R410A. In a heating mode of the heating and if an air heat pump is used as the heat pump, heat is extracted from the outdoor air and transferred to the refrigerant by means of the fourth heat exchanger. The heat is subsequently transferred by means of the first heat exchanger from the refrigerant to the working fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heating comprising a flow circuit for flowing a working fluid at a set flow temperature to a heat emitting section (30) for space heating, an electricity driven heat pump (20) having a first heat exchanger (22) connected to the flow circuit for transfer of heat to the working fluid, a fuel fired boiler (10) having a second heat exchanger connected to the flow circuit for transfer of heat to the working fluid downstream of the first heat exchanger (22) and a control configured to determine the coefficient of performance (COPSet Flow Temperture) of the heat pump for the set flow temperature and a break even coefficient of performance (BECOP) being the electricity price divided by the fuel price multiplied by the thermal efficiency of the boiler and to compare the COPSet Flow Temperture with the BECOP, wherein if the COPSet Flow Temperture is smaller than the BECOP the control is configured to in a first hybrid mode determine an intermediate flow temperature at which the COPIntermediate Flow Temperature is higher than the BECOP and to operate the heat pump (20) so that the working fluid is heated to the intermediate flow temperature by the first heat exchanger (22) and to operate the boiler (10) so that the working fluid is heated from the intermediate flow temperature to the set flow temperature by the second heat exchanger. The present invention also relates to a corresponding control method.